1. There's a farmers' market on campus
The Dalhousie Student Union (DSU) Market brings fresh local produce to the Student Union Building a couple days a week (usually Tuesdays and Wednesdays). The prices are great, the food is tasty, and you can even pre-order food boxes filled with seasonal produce to pick up at the market!
2. We have tunnels!
There are tunnels you can use to get between buildings on Studley Campus. You can go from the Killam Library all the way to the Life Sciences Centre (stopping off at the buildings in between including the Henry Hicks (Administration) Building, MacDonald Building, and Chemistry Building) completely underground. Just head down, follow the signs, and enjoy the dryness and warmth during the cold weather.
3. There’s one card for everything
The DalCard is your ID and can also act as a debit card at a number of on- and off-campus vendors, which saves you the hassle of carrying cash. Plus, you can earn 5% back on your next purchase at many of the vendors. Check out the list of who accepts it. There are places online and in-person where you can put money on your DalCard. You may want to let your parents or generous friends know that they can also put some cash on your card if they’d like to… It's easy to get your DalCard—just upload your photo before you arrive!
4. Student discounts all over town
A lot of stores, restaurants, and other services in Halifax have student discounts. Take a look at this great list to see some of the places that will give you a break, and look for the And if a particular business isn’t listed, it doesn’t hurt to ask! Make sure you have your DalCard with you, just in case!
5. Free entertainment on campus
You can attend home varsity games for free with your DalCard. Grab some black and gold face paint, and pick up some Dal swag at the Bookstore before you head to the stands to cheer on the Tigers!
6. Free food
If you bring your own container and utensils, you can get a free healthy lunch in the SUB from the Loaded Ladle every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 1 p.m. Pretty good deal, eh? They even post their recipes so you can explore your inner chef and recreate their meals. And it's also a fantastic place to volunteer.
7. Mobile app
We have our very own student app, Dal Mobile, that allows you to share your thoughts on the Student Feed, find info about campus services and resources, buy and sell textbooks and other stuff, find housing and roommates, meet and message other Dal sudents, find student deals around town, enter contests, search campus events, and much more.
8. Lots of free tours
If you’re unsure where something is or how something works, you can probably book a tour. From campus tours to library tours to a tour of Dalplex (our main fitness facility), all you have to do is ask!
9. More academic support than you'd believe
If you're worried about your academics, don't fret: there are a ton of services and resources available to support you. Everything from the Writing Centre (which can help you craft amazing papers) to Studying for Success (try one of the workshops on topics like time management, setting goals, and studying for multiple choice exams) to Academic Advising.
10. Safe trips home
Do you do your best studying late at night? You’re not the only one! Dal just wants to make sure you get home safe. That's why the DalSAFE mobile app has "Friend Walk", a virtual walk-home option that enables a friend or Dal Security staff member to monitor your route. The app is available through the Apple App Store, Google Play and BlackBerry World.
11. Meal plans for everyone
You don’t live on campus and are feeling pretty envious of your friends in residence who get to eat all their meals in the campus dining halls? No worries, you can purchase your very own meal plan in Halifax at dal.campusdish.com and in Truro at dineoncampus.ca/ac!
12. Handy maps
You can pick up a map of our campuses and surrounding neighbourhoods at different university buildings, bookmark the Dalhousie one online., or plan your route with the maps on the Dal Mobile app. Either way, keep it accessible! It’ll come in handy early on when you’re trying to navigate your way around campus or through downtown.
13. Awesome city
Explore Halifax early! Halifax is as much a part of Dal as Dal is a part of the city. And the city just keeps getting better! Go for a stroll through beautiful Point Pleasant Park or visit the Halifax Waterfront. Visit the Halifax Commons Oval to skate in the winter and inline skate/bike/scooter/skateboard in the warmer weather (they have free equipment rentals!), or check out all the amazing festivals and events around the city.
14. Free transit
If you’re on the waterfront admiring the views of Dartmouth, you should know that the views of Halifax are even better! Your UPass is a sticker on your DalCard that works for the Metro Transit buses AND the ferry so it’s easy to see for yourself. Head over to the “Dark Side” for the afternoon, grab a treat from a local café, and enjoy the view. And it's already included in your student fees!
15. Strong Indigenous connections
Dalhousie University sits on the Traditional Territory of the Mi'kmaq. The Mi'kmaq Grand Council was installed on our Studley Campus quad in October 2016. Learn more about Dalhousie's Indigenous connections, including programs such as the Elders in Residence (Halifax campus).
16. Lots of ways to get involved
The easiest way to meet people on campus is by getting involved. There are societies for everyone (from parkour to anime to cultural groups), plenty of sports—clubs and intramurals—and much, much more.
17. Lots of stuff to do on campus
There are tons of great events happening all the time on campus. Bookmark events.dal.ca or search events on the Dal Mobile app to keep up with what's going on.
18. Diverse and inclusive campus
There are also a number of vibrant communities within our bigger Dal community. You can meet people and connect with campus resources through the Black Student Advising Centre, the Indigenous Student Centre, the International Centre, and Multifaith Services.
19. Healthcare on campus
Need a doctor? There’s a health clinic right on campus in LeMarchant Place, with doctors, nurses, counsellors, and a social worker.